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In the past couple of years, Ive noticed something disheartening: Myposturesucks.
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And the results of it show up when I want them to least: in my running.
Ive also noticed it on the Pilates reformer, and have even been corrected by coaches while weight lifting.
It makes me think Im not getting the most out of my workouts when my postures off.
I spend a lot of time hunched over my computer or cell phone.
So when I came across the apparel brandForme, I was intrigued.
So I got to testing.
I wore the bra and leggings during multiple 30- to 60-minute runs and in several 50-minute Pilates classes.
And the more I wore the bra, the less powerful that initial feeling was.
As for the leggings, I felt no difference from my standard compression tights.
It made me wonder, though:ShouldI have felt a bigger change?
I connected with physical therapist and certified run roachVictoria Sekely, DPT, CSCS, for some intel.
When I told her about my experience, she wasnt surprised.
Saying that theres one perfect posture is not true, Dr. Sekely tells SELF.
And searching for that likely wont bring the pain or injury benefit you may think.
Instead of needing to correct poor posturewhich has become basically synonymous with slouchingwhat your body actually craves is change.
But its not because the positionsbetter, its because the position is different.
Your best posture, she adds, is your next posture.
Rather, the study authors wrote, it should be viewed as aninstantposture corrector or, essentially, shapewear.
Whats more, reliance on these products can reinforce the notion that bad posture will definitely lead to pain.
It’s almost scaring people by implying, Your forms bad.
You have to wear this to improve it.
And thats not true, Dr. Sekely says.
Just start moving, and your bodys going to figure it out.
Personally, I dont think the bra or the leggings did anything tofixmy posture.
And when I did, I generally felt better (even if the effect didnt last long-term).
After all, youll already be in the appropriate gear to do so.
